Man Utd enter race for PSG wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 17 Jul 2023 07:12 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain youngster Xavi Simons on loan, according to reports, but the Red Devils are set to be beaten to his signature by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Simons, 20, was purchased by PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer last summer, but PSG crucially included an enticing €5 million buy-back clause in the contract.

The Dutchman duly impressed in the Eredivisie and after netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions last year, PSG were quick to activate their buy-back clause. He has left PSV’s pre-season training camp and is expected to officially re-join the Parisians in the coming days.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

However, he is set to be loaned out for the 2023/24 season. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Simons will leave PSG on a season-long loan deal if both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar stay at the Parc des Princes this summer.

Mbappe has informed PSG that he will not be extending his contract - which extends in 2024 - while Neymar has perennially been linked with an exit. However, the Brazilian looks set to stay, despite rumoured interest from Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has told Mbappe that he will be sold this summer if he does not sign a new deal, although it remains to be seen if any interested parties are able to match PSG’s asking price and Mbappe’s wage demands.

MORE: Mbappe's future made clear as PSG agree Vlahovic personal terms

Where will Xavi Simons go?

According to Romano, RB Leipzig are set to sign Simons on a one-year loan deal. The Netherlands international is reportedly convinced that joining the Bundesliga side is the best choice for his development and he is set to inform PSG of his decision this week.

Leipzig are said to be ready with a loan deal offer to submit to PSG, which crucially doesn’t include a buy-option. Simons will return to the Parc des Princes in 2024 to be part of the club’s long-term plans under Luis Enrique.

Despite the fact that Leipzig are set to land Simons, Man Utd are also interested, according to L’Equipe. Marco Rose’s side are heavy favourites to sign Simons, but they do face competition from the Red Devils, who are looking to hijack the move and bring the former La Masia graduate to Old Trafford.

Mason Mount is Erik ten Hag’s only signing so far this summer, although they are close to completing a deal for Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana, while personal terms have been agreed with Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.